Perfect timing for Watkins' return

PHILADELPHIA — — Danny Watkins returned to work Tuesday with a clear head and a full plate, following time off due to a concussion.

The backup right guard immediately jumped in with the first team during practice as starter Todd Herremans sat out with knee inflammation.

This is the time of the season when the Eagles need not rush Herremans or any other starter back too quickly, especially when it gives a player like Watkins, who has much to prove, valuable playing time with and against the best.

"It was good," Watkins said of his return. "I have a lot to catch up on. You never want to take time off during training camp, or any time, for that matter, so it was good to get back out there."

Watkins, who was not able to play in the team's 14-9 victory over Carolina last week, is not sure when he suffered the injury, because he had no symptoms until two days after their preseason opener, which was followed by a day off.

Despite all his previous experience as a hockey goon and a fireman, Watkins said, "I've never had anything like that before. It was just very uncomfortable."

Watkins was the team's first-round draft pick (No. 23 overall) in 2011, but lost his job starting job last season and hasn't been able to get it back.

"He's improved from where we first had him in the spring," coach Chip Kelly said last week. "He's competing. If we were going to play today and everybody's healthy, he's competing as a backup."

Injury update

Tuesday marked the healthiest the team has been in some time, as only four players were unable to go.

Marsh had surgery to repair his broken hand, the team announced Tuesday. There is no timetable for his return.

Totally transformed?

Trent Cole was asked to switch from defensive end to linebacker as the Eagles are transitioning from a 4-3 to a 3-4. Tuesday, he gave the best indication yet that the transformation is complete.

"It was hard at first," he said, "but I've turned this thing around. I turned it around pretty quick, trying to learn a new position and improving what I need to work on. I'm out there running around and having fun."

The question is whether he will be able to prevent opponents from doing the same. Cole ranks third in team history with 71 sacks, but all came from launching with a hand on the ground. In the new, multiple-look system, he won't be able to do that a lot of the time.

"It's different, man. When you have your hand down, you get that big burst. But rushing standing up, there's advantages and disadvantages. So it's even across the board. ... You just have to find out the way to get off and get your moves."

Quote of the Day

"The one thing we all learned from this group is that I think we've got two guys and maybe even three guys that can play in this league. It was a healthy competition." — Eagles coach Chip Kelly, on naming Michael Vick as the starting quarterback after a competition with Nick Foles and Matt Barkley.